This week I had the great pleasure of chatting with a fabulous local jeweller at the library and in spite of many difficulties she has encountered in her life, she never fails to smile. Though Christine Taylor of Hoodoo Designs has only lived in Airdrie for five years she has made a big impact as a part of the local arts community. Prior to her full-time creative life, she was a Communications Advisor in the oil and gas industry. Once she began her family, she knew she wanted to spend more time at home and less on the road to the Calgary so she began to create handmade wedding invitations. This step into creativity evolved into glass jewellery which led to a connection through Twitter followed by a collaboration with Calgary singer-songwriter Jann Arden. From there, her artistic expression translated to graphic design and stamped silver jewellery, which is where her focus currently lies.In 2010 Christine was selected as the official jewellery designer of the Canadian Country Music Awards and later for the Whistler Film Festival. Since then she has gone on to create jewellery for the Amazing Women Awards with AirdrieLIFE magazine.The symbol of her creative business is a bird named Ivy. Not realizing, Christine had been collecting birds for some time when it dawned on her to add it to her logo.Her custom collection consists of a variety of sterling silver necklaces for women, men and children, baby bracelets, key chains and vintage forks to commemorate special occasions and all are personalized with names, dates, special words or quotes. Birth stones and special pendants are also available to create a personal memory.As we discussed the impetus for her work, she explained that the people she has the privilege of working with inspire her, that on occasion when creating a special memorial for someone such as a mother who wants to remember a lost child, she connects so deeply with the work that it brings her to tears.

When I asked what she enjoys most about what she does, she replied, "I get to stay home with my children and create memories, doing something good and meaningful for others." And finally, when I asked for her best advice for other creative people she shared that it is important to "just keep trying." Christine's work will be exhibited at the Airdrie Public Library until September 1.